Hazmat & restricted goods

Last updated: January 2026

Why this matters

EarthShip forwards packages from US retailers to customers in the Middle East and 200+ countries worldwide. Air and ocean carriers, along with the customs authorities in every destination we serve, classify certain goods as hazardous materials ("hazmat") or restricted for import. Declaring these items honestly — or avoiding them altogether — protects your shipment, your fellow customers' consolidated pallets, and our ability to keep offering fast, affordable rates.

Classified hazardous materials (cannot be shipped)

The following categories are regulated as dangerous goods by IATA, ocean carriers, and customs worldwide, and cannot be accepted into your EarthShip suite or forwarded on your behalf:

Lithium metal or loose lithium-ion batteries (not installed in a device), including power banks and spare camera/laptop batteriesClassified hazmat

Flammable liquids, gases, and aerosols — spray paint, lighter fluid, camping fuel, compressed gas cartridgesClassified hazmat

Oxidizers and organic peroxides, including some pool chemicals and bleach-based cleanersClassified hazmat

Corrosives — automotive battery acid, industrial-strength solvents, drain cleanersClassified hazmat

Explosives, fireworks, ammunition, and gun powderClassified hazmat

Toxic or infectious substances, including certain lab and medical samplesClassified hazmat

Radioactive materialsClassified hazmat

Magnetized materials that can interfere with aircraft instrumentationClassified hazmat

Restricted items (allowed with conditions)

These items are not automatically hazmat, but are restricted by specific carriers or destination customs authorities and may need extra documentation, packaging, or be declined case-by-case:

Perfumes, colognes, and alcohol-based cosmetics (flammable liquid content over carrier limits)Conditions apply

Electronics with built-in, non-removable lithium batteries (phones, laptops, tablets, e-cigarettes) — usually fine when installed inside the device, but declared and packed per carrier rulesConditions apply

Nail polish, nail polish remover, and certain aerosol beauty productsConditions apply

Knives, tactical gear, and items resembling weaponsConditions apply

Prescription medication and supplements (subject to destination country import rules)Conditions apply

CBD, hemp, and related products (illegal in many destination countries regardless of US legality)Conditions apply

Food, perishables, and liquids over destination customs thresholdsConditions apply

How EarthShip handles a flagged item

Our warehouse team inspects and photographs every package that arrives at your free US suite address before it is added to your inbox.
If an item is identified as classified hazmat, we will notify you immediately by email and in your dashboard inbox — it cannot be shipped or consolidated and will be held for your instructions.
If an item is restricted, we will reach out to confirm the correct declaration, packaging, or documentation needed for your destination country before it ships.
Repackaging and consolidation of your shipments never involves opening sealed hazmat containers — our team is trained to recognize hazard labeling and safety data sheets on the outer packaging.

Tips before you buy-for-me or order online

Check the product listing for hazard warnings ("flammable", "corrosive", "contains lithium battery") before checkout.
When in doubt, message our support team with the product link before you buy — we're happy to confirm shippability in advance.
Review the destination-specific rules for your country on our countries we ship to page, since customs restrictions vary widely even for allowed items.
For the full list of banned imports by category, see our prohibited items page.

Questions about a specific item?

Our support team reviews hazmat questions daily and can tell you in minutes whether an item can be forwarded, needs special handling, or must be left out of your shipment. Reach out anytime through contact us, or start a live chat once you're signed in to your dashboard.